Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake chromosome-resolution genome

To investigate the genetics underlying an ontogenetic shift in venom composition, we generated a chromosome-resolution genome assembly with curated gene annotations for the eastern diamondback rattlesnake. By combining RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and CUT&RUN, we found statistical support for chromatin accessibility and gene expression influencing ontogenetic shifts in venom. We also utilized the assembly to investigate variations in sensory receptor gene expression due to life-history biases. We compared genes expressed in the olfactory and vomeronasal epithelium between sexes and age groups.